Sedbergh Golf Club

Renowned as one of Cumbria's hidden gems, Sedbergh Golf Club is a must-visit venue for anyone travelling through Cumbria or the Yorkshire Dales. The club was founded in 1896, although records suggest that golf has been played in Sedbergh since 1877. The original course was crafted into common land and featured steep slopes, as well as sheep and cattle that grazed on the course. This led to the club moving to its current site in 1991, where a 5,913-yard, par-70 layout was established. While not the longest by modern standards, the course makes full use of the naturally undulating parkland to ensure that accuracy is far more important than distance at Sedbergh. The course also features tree-lined fairways and a host of water hazards. The first two holes gently ease you into your round, but be careful not to get too comfortable. The 427-yard par-four fifth might well be one of the toughest holes you ever play. The river Dee splits the fairway on this stroke index one hole and while most choose to lay up short, longer hitters might be able to clear the hazard. 

The 427-yard par-four fifth might well be one of the toughest holes you ever play.

Even if you avoid water with your first shot, the heavily sloping green is guarded by water on the front and right and an out of bounds to the left and the back. Walking away with par here may be cause for celebration. There are plenty of testing holes on the back nine and none more spectacular than the par-four 18th. Take a moment to admire the view over Sedbergh and the local fells before navigating the 427-yard, stroke index three test. Making par here is generally considered a successful end to your round. Golf aside, Sedbergh is a popular venue for functions and has hosted many weddings, christenings and birthday parties in its 120-capacity lounge.